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Why Is It Important To Sell To Minors Or Other Incompetent Parties?

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There are certain elements a contract must have to be enforceable. Capacity is one of those elements. Capacity means having the legal and mental ability to enter into binding contracts. Among those not considered competent are minors (in most states, persons under the age of 18), persons under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, and people who are mentally ill (Goldman and Sigismond, 2014, p.130) When dealing with contracts, incompetent parties such as minors, are treated differently. If an incompetent party enters into an agreement or contract, it is not legally enforceable. The Law views minors as irresponsible and unable to make rational decisions on their own. When we make purchases at any store, we are entering into a contract. There are no exceptions as to who can make a purchase. Because minors cannot …show more content…

Returns can happen regardless of the store's return policy. Question: If minors can return purchases in this way, why do retailers continue to sell to minors or other incompetent parties? Adults can avoid suffering losses by refusing to enter into agreements with minors. If an adult does deal with a minor, the adult may ask that a parent, guardian, or other adult sign the agreement along with the minor (Goldman and Sigismond, 2014, p.171). However, when dealing with businesses and purchases, some of us may look at it differently. There are minors who are employed and legally make their own money. They have the right to spend their money whatever way they like. There are some minors who receive an allowance from their parents weekly and the first place they go to is the mall to buy nice things. Minors have birthdays and celebrate other holiday’s in which they receive money to spend.

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